Council Officially Opens WildLife Garden in Moat Park, Dundonald

The Chairman of the Leisure & Community Services Committee, Alderman Paul Porter was delighted to officially open the WildLife Garden, in Moat Park, Dundonald.

Funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, through the Challenge Fund Initiative, the WildLife Garden has been designed to attract a greater variety of plants and animals into the park by creating important micro-habitats where they can thrive.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of the Leisure &amp; Community Services Committee,Alderman Paul Porter said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today to the official opening of the WildLife Garden, here in Moat Park. “I am delighted that the Council has been able to play its part in providing an area whereby the community can not only enjoy, but learn to be more wildlife friendly and create an environment that encourages development of wildlife in the area.

“I extend a warm welcome to Peter Turner from the Department for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Julie McGonigle and the school children from Dundonald Primary School, who have all played an integral role in the development of the Garden.”

“The project was made possible through the contribution of monies raised from the carrier bag levy, known as the Challenge Fund initiative, and with the proactive staff and children of Dundonald Primary school, funding was allocated to create this wonderful garden. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and commitment of this project.”

The WildLife Garden promotes and enhances biodiversity, improves conservation and species management within the park. The Council is doing its bit to ensure that areas like Dundonald continue to grow and provide a habitat for plants and animals which might otherwise be lost as houses and offices replace fields, hedges and woodlands.

Alderman Porter added: “I would like to thank the Council officers involved in the project, in particular Tracey Connolly (the Council’s Biodiversity Officer) and Ian Hamilton from the Parks Section who led this project to fruition. I hope that the local community will reap the benefits and enjoy the garden and what it has to offer throughout the summer months.”